WORS Rhinelander and slaying the Snake

I’m a bit behind on race updates, but the good news is that means I’ve been racing a lot! After the big result at Iola I took a step back and realized that I was a little bit ahead of where I wanted to be so it was time to take it easier for a while. Last year, I did something similar, I was a little too far along at this time, but I didn’t take a step back then. I’m glad I did because this year I think I’ll time my peaks much better for big results when they really count. But long story short, it’s been some lower volume, high intensity training, with lots of rest.

The Trek SuperFly FS is wicked.

The title says is all.

I was lucky enough this year to get hooked up with a new bike and I have to say I felt like I took a little bit of a chance. Personally, coming from a hardtail 26, a 29er full suspension was a big jump. But to summarize, it was the right choice. That bike is miles past what I was on, and even more than that, doesn’t have any of the draw backs I was afraid of.

WORS #1: Iola

WORS started off this last weekend with the traditional opener in Iola. To say I was excited is an understatement. With all the early season racing in Texas and California, I was eager to get back on the start line. On top of that, my Mom’s birthday was the weekend before so we celebrated that while I was home. And on top of top of that, my sister’s new theater production Next to Normal Opened at the Theater on Main in Oconomowoc, so we went to that on Friday night. A great weekend all packed in.

JM Coaching Testimonial

Some of you may be familiar with Max Ackermann. He's a enthusiastic and hard working Freshman at UW and has some serious talent riding a bike. I was lucky enough to start working with him as a coach a few months ago and I'd like to think I've been able to help him, but honestly he's got so much drive and potential that I'm not sure I can take credit. He's the one doing the work.

Max and me being awesome

A little while ago, I asked Max Ackermann to write up a little testimonial about how coaching has been with me over the first few month. He was quick to respond with this:

"JM Coaching Testimonial

April 22, 2014

        Before I met Joe, all I knew of him is that he was that guy who always used to beat me in the 3’s, and that he was really fast on a bike. I first got to know him in the fall of my freshman year at UW, when we led the Madison cyclocross practices together. 

One day in October, I asked Joe if he wanted to get out and ride.  Somewhat to my surprise, he was more than willing to let me join him on his workout, and also to guide me and give me a few tips along the way. This was pretty cool of him, since a lot of guys just wouldn’t take the time to help a kid out for no reason. We ended up training together 2 or 3 times a week for the rest of the cyclocross season, and he helped push me to train at a high level with him. This not only made the training a lot more fun, but also made me a lot faster! More than that though, Joe showed a genuine interest in my progress as an athlete and an individual before he even mentioned to me that he was coaching.

Somewhere along the way, Joe mentioned his plans to start coaching in the spring and offered to coach me if I was interested. As a freshman and U23 rider in about the same place Joe was a few years ago, I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn from and be guided by somebody who has found success both on and off the bike like he has. Beyond that, it was really cool to hear from somebody that I looked up to like Joe that I had potential to excel in the sport.

Now, I’ve been working with Joe as my coach for just over 3 months. Right from the start, we had a sit down and Joe took the time to learn more about me as both a rider and a person. We set out some season and long-term goals, put together a schedule, and made a plan. The plan we’ve put together is one that’s fully tailored to my specific goals, strengths and weaknesses. Having not done a ton of long-term structured training in the past, I had to trust him and his years of training at a high level. Already, I’m beginning to see gains that I wouldn’t have expected. It’s pretty amazing how a fine tuned plan will bring results.

However, life is about more than bikes. I’m a student first, and a cyclist second, and this is something that Joe and I have worked into the plan. There are some days that I’ll miss a workout because I’m either too busy or stressed with school, and that’s okay. Having had to balance school and cycling for many years himself, this is something that Joe has a really good understanding of and works into the training very well.

Overall, I’m really pumped to be working with Joe this year, and very excited to see what the season brings!

Max Ackermann"

Thanks so much to Max for the kind words. Priviliged to work with such a talented guy, and humbled by the sentiments here. He's out with a broken wrist, so send him you're good vibes and I look forward to him getting back on the bike and picking back up with crushing it soon.

If you're looking to bring some structure to your training, structure that works within your schedule. And structure that accounts for all aspects of who you are, drop me a line( j.maloney.ii@gmail.com). I'd love to talk to you about where you are, where you want to be, and how we can get there together.

Checking in: Keeping it short.

The last few weeks have been pretty simple. Training, hanging out with family, friends, cooking good food, and resetting focus to hit the racing again. I did get a chance to pick up my sweet new ride from Emery’s and take it out a few time. Look for an update on that coming soon. First impressions? It’s got a bigger wheel, and once I got used to that, I love it. It’s fast, it’s nimble, and it goes where you want it to. I was worried I would have to change my riding style, but what it’s done for me is enhance my riding style. I’m going just as fast as I was before, but now I feel like there is a lot more speed waiting to get let out. Along with the new bike is the new clothing. Team Wisconsin changed it up a little this year with a new kit style. Like the look, and the new clothing supplier Hincapie makes some quality stuff. I wouldn’t say it’s perfect, but you can tell it’s made by people who ride as much as I do.

The coaching business has been doing well. I’ve picked up a total of 4 athletes and they are all doing well. There is always a transition period while you get used to the new relationship, but I’m starting to really understand them for the people and athletes they are and I think it’s gonna be a good year. One of my athletes, Max, broke his wrist while out playing around on the MTB. The bad news is that he’s out for a little while, but the good news is that most of his big goals are later so he should be back at it in plenty of time. It might even put some extra fuel on the fire for the later end of the CX season. Send him good vibes.

If you’re looking for a coach, hit me up and I’d love to work with you. See my coaching page for more info.

Looking ahead, it’s time to race! Motivation is high and I can’t wait to get the legs going again with some racing action. California was cool, but I wasn’t in any kind of racing shape. I can’t wait to hit the dirt with the usual WORS suspect and characters in Iola this coming weekend. The temps might be cold, but the company will be warm. I’ll be out pre-riding Saturday and anyone is welcome to join me. Just say hey and I’d love to do a lap with you.

Keeping it short today, check back for updates on the new bike, coaching and of course, WORS #1!